Lockdown Economy was launched in 2020 to help small businesses and self-employed professionals overcome the challenges of the pandemic and reactivate the economy. It is a global non-profit and educational movement. 

This initiative consists of 1) the interview series with entrepreneurs affected by the lockdown; and 2) the Academy which provides real-time education materials about entrepreneurship during the lockdown to students worldwide.

Dr. Alba Kruja invited Julia Skupchenko founder of Lockdown Economy, to present this initiative to all students of Operations Management Course and to offer them the opportunity to share stories of small business operating in Albania.

Albanian entrepreneurs get a forum to share their struggles, successes, and experiences of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, by learning from each other. Through the Lockdown Economy, they have a way to connect with a wider community of other entrepreneurs. In the YouTube Channel of AlterContacts are posted the interviews conducted by 3rd year students of Epoka University under the Lockdown Economy series. You can access them in the links below:

• Group members: Rexhina Tare, Tuana Yozgatli, Kleida Sharra, Xhesika Samarxhiu

          Interviewer: Rexhina Tare

          Business Name: Golden Taste, a halal restaurant in Tirana

         Interviewee: Besa Hoxha, Manager

Lockdown Economy Albania in a Halal Restaurant with Besa Hoxha

• Group members: Ambra Mallunxa, Brajan Lloçi, Ketjona Lepuri, Suada Hoxha, Tomas Muça

          Interviewer: Suada Hoxha

          Business Name: Tirana Center of Technology

          Interviewees: Rezart Alija and Gentjan Mejdani, co-founders

Lockdown Economy Albania in a Technology Center with Rezart Alija and Gentjan Mejdani

• Group members: Loneta Sejdi, Melisa Miri, Albana Xhini, Rovena Noka

          Interviewer: Melisa Miri

          Business Name:  Alba Fireplaces

          Interviewee: Albana Xhini, HR Manager

Lockdown Economy Albania in a Fireplace Shop with Albana Xhini

• Group members: Dea Durro, Deidamea Bajri, Sara Koni, Stiliana Jano, Amada Kazaferi

          Interviewer: Dea Durro

          Business Name: Restaurant IGMA, family- run restaurant

         Interviewee: Englatin and Amada Kazaferi, owners

Lockdown Economy Albania in a Family-Run Restaurant with Englatin and Amada Kazaferi

• Group members: Klajd Tabaku, Iris Çenga, Sanja Mulla, Siola Cevani

          Interviewer: Iris Çenga

          Business Name: Angel's Store

         Interviewee: Sanja Mulla, owner

Lockdown Economy Albania in an Online Clothing Store with Sanja Mulla

• Group members: Mishela Rapo, Ledia Myzeqari, Olesia Kamberi, Cetina Lukaj, Altea Stefa

         Interviewers: Mishela Rapo, Ledia Myzeqari, Olesia Kamberi, Cetina Lukaj, Altea Stefa

         Business Name: Sogni D'oro

         Interviewee: Edlira Stefa, owner

Lockdown Economy Albania in a Baby Store with Edlira Stefa

• Group members: Alesia Dalipi, Joana Balla, Majlinda Myftaraj, Suela Kola

          Interviewer: Suela Kola

          Business Name: Leo De Verzay Caffe in Durres

          Interviewee: Gjon Kola

Lockdown Economy Albania in a Coffee Bar with Gjon Kola

• Group members: Kübra Özdemir, Edisera Hidra, Elvira Samurri, Rashell Dehne

          Interviewer: Kübra Özdemir

          Business Name: Capitol Restaurant in Tirana

         Interviewee: Fatmir Zhguni, General manager

Lockdown Economy Albania in a Halal Restaurant with Fatmir Zhguni

• Group members: Igla Morinaj,  Kristel Lapardhaja, Esi Binaj , Ersi Disha, Tea Pepa

          Interviewer: Ersi Disha

          Business Name: Easy Pay Albania

          Interviewee: Stela Shkodrani, COO

Lockdown Economy Albania in a Payment Service Provider with Stela Shkodrani

• Group members: Isena Lahi, Kantonisa Boci, Marios Malaj, Xhesika Leka, Aiwei Elvis Chen

          Interviewer: Isena Lahi, Kantonisa Boci and Xhesika Leka.

          Business Name: Sport Association Sauk

          Interviewee: Delon Sina, CEO

Lockdown Economy Albania in a Sports Association with Delon Sina

• Group members: Diona Halilaj, Edisa Rroji , Kedi Hoxha, Lusjela Doda, Noemi Balla

          Interviewer: Lusjela Doda

          Business Name: Market Rroji

         Interviewee: Edlina Rroji, Owner

Lockdown Economy Albania in a Grocery Store with Eldina Rroji